Car registration (Southaven, Shelby, Memphis: rent, purchasing, university)

[ragincajun73]

Anyone know the cost of registering a vehicle in DeSoto County, MS? (roughly). If I remember correctly MS usually has some high ad valorem taxes. Am I wrong?

[jsherman9901]

Originally Posted by ragincajun73

Anyone know the cost of registering a vehicle in DeSoto County, MS? (roughly). If I remember correctly MS usually has some high ad valorem taxes. Am I wrong?

It varies by county, but in general ad valorem taxes are pretty high. I'm thinking somewhere around 2 - 2.5% of the value of the vehicle per year.

[crw]

We thought we were prepared from reading and hearing from residents, but were still shocked at what it cost to register our vehicles just a few months ago. And we have USED I think you can't find this info on any Desoto County official website because you might not move here if you knew ahead of time! lol It is based on their blue book value and does not matter what you paid. In our case, we had to pay fees based on a blue book value that was several thousand OVER what we had paid for the vehicles!

We have an 05 Chrysler van and an 02 Toyota Avalon. We paid almost $1000!! I think this is the county's way of keeping people from purchasing new cars. At this rate, you would have to plan the family budget around the registration fees! lol (This is only for the first year - thankfully!)

[brettk]

I've heard a lot of people complain about how high tags were in Desoto, but I think it still a lower cost of living than Memphis or its Tenn. suburbs when everything is considered.

It varies a lot throughout the state which is kind of annoying. Also, if you're in the city limits usually affects the price. I got Lafayette county tags in 06 for my 04 Chevy Colorado and paid $100- plus 30 for the specialty tag. The next year in Rankin county, I paid $130 for a regular tag. Thats still a lot better than what it would have been in Hinds.

[Robert_J]

Originally Posted by brettk

I've heard a lot of people complain about how high tags were in Desoto, but I think it still a lower cost of living than Memphis or its Tenn. suburbs when everything is considered.

The University of Memphis economics dept. did a study and the summary was published in that thing that calls itself a paper (the Appeal). Turns out that it does cost more to live in Desoto county. Much more if you rent vs. renting in Shelby county. Is that difference worth it? For me, yes. I say you get what you pay for. Memphis can't fill open positions on its police force while Southaven had 50 applicants for 5 open spots on its force.

-Robert